Canes to Hold Caniac Carnival on Sept. 17

Two practices, autographs and food trucks highlight season kick-off event

RALEIGH, NC - The Carolina Hurricanes will hold the 18th annual Caniac Carnival on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at PNC Arena. The 2017 Caniac Carnival will feature two Hurricanes practices, an autograph session with players, food trucks, live music, a stick sale, inflatable rides, interactive games and booths, a kid's zone and appearances by Stormy and the Pepsi Storm Squad. In addition, the Hurricanes will host a blood drive to benefit REX Blood Services during the event.

The Hurricanes practices are general admission and are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Select sections of the arena will be open for seating and a ticket is not required. The autograph session will take place from 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m., and all members of the Hurricanes are scheduled to appear. Wristband distribution for the autograph session will begin at 10 a.m. and is limited to the first 600 fans in attendance. John Forslund will host a State of the Hurricanes discussion with Executive Vice President and General Manager Ron Francis at 11:30 a.m. and an interview with Hurricanes alumnus and 2006 Stanley Cup champion Erik Cole at 1 p.m. in section 119.

The Hurricanes will host a stick sale outside the East Priority Lounge (near Section 121), where fans can buy new and used sticks that belonged to past and present players in the Hurricanes organization. The sale will be cash only, with used sticks priced at $80 and new sticks $120.

The REX Bloodmobile will be stationed outside The Eye team store from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Interested donors are encouraged to pre-register at http://signup.com/go/caniac, but walk-ups are also welcome. Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and eat well prior to donating blood. REX Blood Services is aiming to reach its goal of 30 registered donors and all donors will be entered to win a Carolina Hurricanes team-signed jersey.